OK, let me say first off.....I'm a dumb a$$. Just got back everything from the machine shop for my rebuild (merc 502 efi). Assembly was going great until I installed the intake and realized I forgot to put in the splash guard. More than likely I'll be taking it back off to install it, but was just wondering how critical of a part is it? I've heard it can cause too much heat buildup in the intake and could cause problems. Is this true?

KRUM

That guard is there to prevent hot oil splashing on the bottom of the intake.

Hot oil + hot fuel charge = loss of HP.

I'd put it on.

Dave

Damn, did I put mine on???????

Did the same thing last week, realized it right after I set the intake down in the new goo. No bolts in place but made a mess

It took a little over 5 minutes for me to turn around and look at my parts cart and noticed the guard. Lots of swearin and one hammer thru the wall and I was ready to take it back off. Unfortunately it was enough time to start the drying process. New gaskets and an hours worth of cleaning it back up and now I'm back in business.

LIVE AND LEARN!!!!

KRUM